Module 2 - Alterations in Fluids and Electrolytes Flashcards
Every disease process involves some alteration in ..
fluids and electrolytes
Molecule
When two or more atoms combine to form a substance
Ion
an atom carries an electrical charge because it has either gained or lost electrons
some ions have a negative charge and some positive charge
Cation
Ion that carries a positive charge and it has given away or lost electrons
Positive charge
fewer electrons than protons
Anion
an ion that has gained electrons and therefore carries a negative charge
negative charge
gained or taken on electrons (more electrons than protons)
In health there is ___ amounts of cations and anions in the body
equal
Electrolytes
substance dissolved in solution and some of its molecules split or dissociate into electrically charged atoms or ions
critical for life and muscle function
What is the unit of measurement for volume of fluids ?
metric - L or mL
In the body, non-dry areas are in ___
solution
The unit of measure that expresses the combining activity of an electrolyte is …
the milliequivalent (mEq)
One mEq of any cation will …
always react chemically with one mEq of an anion
What information does mEq’s provide?
information about the number of cations or anions available to combine with other cations or anions
The fluid in each of the body compartments contains …
a particular composition of electrolytes which differ from that of other compartments
To function normally, body cells must have …
the right amount of fluids and electrolytes (and being in the right compartments)
Whenever an electrolytes moves out of a cell..
another electrolyte moves in to take its place
Homeostasis
a state that requires the number of cations and anions to be the same in order to exist
Body compartments are separated by..
semi permeable membranes
Intracellular Compartments
Fluids inside the cells
Most of the body fluid (2/3) is inside the cells
Extracellular Compartments
Refers to all fluid outside the cells (plasma, blood, interstitial fluids)
Intravascular Compartment
Fluids in the blood vessels (ECF subtype)
Interstitial Fluids
fluid between the cells and blood vessels
What compartment is the most important to view electrolyte levels from?
The intracellular compartments (ex: potassium is highest in the cell, not blood or ECF; almost no calcium in cells; small traces of Na, etc)
Most sodium is in …
the blood
(this is also the most sensitive electrolyte to the blood)
What does body fluid do for us?
Transports nutrients to the cells and carried waste products from the cells